Israel Evacuates Sinai Zone

February 4, 1976

TEL AVIV (Feb. 3)

A 200-square kilometer area in the former United Nations buffer zone in Sinai was evacuated by Israeli troops yesterday and turned over to Egyptian forces under the terms of the Sinai accord signed last September. The area extends from the Firdan Bridge southward to the middle of the Great Bitter Lake. The final Israeli withdrawal under terms of the accord will be completed on Feb. 22 when Egyptian units will enter additional areas of what was formerly the UN buffer zone.

Defense Minister Shimon Peres conferred last, night with Gen. Ensio Siilasvuo, commander of UN forces in the Middle East on matters concerning implementation of the interim agreement with Egypt. Members of the Israeli General Staff visited forward lines in Sinai and consulted with the commanding officer of the southern front preparatory to the final evacuation.